Why Move in the Classroom? Visual-Proprioceptive-Ocular System If they could only sit still! Children's bodies want to be on the move constantly, given the opportunity. Teachers across the country are making that possible without a power struggle with chair-less classrooms. Exercise (Stability) Balls replace traditional chairs, reportedly improving student focus, posture and fitness all at the same time. The topic came up during a Health Ed Network seminar I presented in St. Louis "Educational Applications of Current Neuroscience" on March 7. It follows Carla Hannaford's observations in her classic book Smart Moves-All Learning Is Not In Your Head. Movement is essential for learning. Children's need for movement is based in the Vestibular System and the "Triad" described in workshops by Mary Kawar MS, OTR. Consulting with colleagues to further educate myself and answer participant's questions about the Visual – Proprioceptive-Ocular Systems, I acknowledge Anne Yockey MS, OTR for her guidance and professional resources in this search. She recommends workshops by Mary Kawar, MS, OTR for more information on these topics. http://www.vitallinks.net/workshops.shtmlVisual-Proprioceptive-Visual SystemThe Triad: Vestibular-Proprioceptive-Visual Systems are building blocks for higher level learning. We must look beyond traditional auditory teaching approaches and engage this foundational triad to create optimal learning. The integration of movement, eyes, ears and mouth works best. Visual Processing: Perfect 20/20 vision indicates only the clarity with which one sees. The traditional eye chart does not reassure reading ability or visual function. Visual Information Processing is a more meaningful term; referring to the visual processing skills necessary for learning and performance. EMDR-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Eye movements correlate with emotional processing, so they can be used as a tool in healing. Research has proven EMDR effective in psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). During EMDR, the client attends to emotionally disturbing material while focusing on an external stimulus. The therapist directs lateral eye movements, and uses hand tapping and audio stimulation. For more information visit the association's website: http://www.emdr.com/briefdes.htm Vestibular System: This system balances all sensory systems; very important for learning. It’s located in the three semicircular canals of the inner ear. Vestibular receptors are the tiny hair cells (cristae) within the semicircular canals, the utricle and saccule of the vestibular labyrinth. From Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice Fisher, Murray and Bundy 1991The cochlea, also in the inner ear, takes care of hearing. Because it’s surrounded by a liquid [paralymph] also shared with the vestibular system, vestibular stimulation can also improve hearing. Proprioceptive System: This senses spatial orientation and organization of body parts through information arising form one’s position and movement for purposes of motor planning and control. It monitors intensity, rate, duration and timing of force of movement needed under all circumstances, based on muscle tension: how much and how fast a muscle is being stretched. Proprioceptive Signals: They originate in muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, connective tissue and vibratory receptors in the bones. Feedback indicates the degree of stretch registered in the endings of muscle spindles. Occupational Therapists consider whether movement is active—originating from the individual’s own brain, or passive—created externally. This information is adapted from workshop materials from Mary Kawar, MS, OTR.
+++++++
Health Ed Network sends me to present seminars across the nation where I still learn as much as I teach—just as during my school counselor days. Their site is www.health-ed.com Please check www.ourbrainbuddies.com About Us-Schedule for upcoming seminars. I also present through Connections of the Heart LLC, but without official Continuing Education Units. Research continues into the use of Classroom Stability Balls. More information can be found at:www.wittfitt.com :Lisa Witt, a teacher in Hudson, Wisconsin has used stability balls in her classrooms in Iowa and Colorado, and now conducts training for teachers in their use. Balls with "legs" are available preventing them from "escaping" all over the room. http://student-health-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/no_more_classroom_chairs May's Nature Blog follows, focusing on Negative and Positive Ions. Thanks for your interest, and for passing this address on to your colleagues! Sandi
© Sandra Sunquist Stanton MS, NCC, LPC, Connections of the Heart LLC
For additional articles and information, visit www.ourbrainbuddies.com or send an email sandi@ourbrainbuddies.com